GAME OFF

Oxford United's game against Bradford City in the Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final was postponed this evening due to a frozen pitch.

The club called in a Football League referee at 3pm yesterday who advised that the pitch was playable at that time, with the covers going back on immediately after, having first been applied on Friday. The same referee returned at 9am this morning and inspected the pitch once more. The match referee then arrived at 5.45pm and took a look at the pitch. However conditions became colder than forecast over the next 90 minutes and referee Dean Whitestone took the decision at 7.25pm

He told us:

"There had been two pitch inspections before we arrived at 5.45pm. We took a look and at that time the pitch was playable, but during the warm up it was clear that the conditions had become worse and the pitch was dangerous. Clearly our priority has to be the safety of the players, although you obviously feel sorry for the fans as well. Unfortunately we had no alternative other than to call the game off this evening."

The game will now be played on Tuesday 31st January, kick off 7.45pm. Full details to be announced shortly.

Supporters who attended the postponed tie can use the ticket stubs for the rearranged game or can obtain a refund if they return them before midday next Tuesday.

Supporters who bought 50/50 half time draws: hold on to your ticket. The prize fund will be rolled over to include tickets sold at next Tuesday's game.